figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out

transitive verb

1

: discover, determine

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve, fathom

figure out a problem

Synonyms of figure out

• solve
• answer
• unravel
• resolve

Examples of figure out in a Sentence

a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out

Recent Examples on the Web

Public health authorities are still working to figure out additional sources. — Pien Huang, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026

Others without any attorney asked for more time to figure out the proper evidence filing procedures. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

The rooms are fairly simple, so there isn't a whole lot to figure out. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

That’s a harder one to argue while trying to figure out how the appeals board could overturn the verdict of the independent regulatory commission, namely that Abramovich’s Chelsea had sought, and gained, a sporting advantage. — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figure out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

figure out

verb

1

: find out, discover

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve

figure out a problem